mawkie
C&R Whisperer
-After the recent disappointing performance of Morphy Auction with the fake Astra I was surprised at a very rare MAS 1936 CR39 listing in the last Reata Pass auction. It instantly jumped out at me as a fake, put together from CR39 bits and having the original barrel shortened (instant give away is no "CR39" stamped on the receiver. I marked the lot to see if anyone would be foolish enough to spend significant coin on it (originals will sell north of $2k in today's market).
-Then I got a pleasant surprise when the lot description was edited by the auction house to the following...
Rare blued French military folding-stock paratroop carbine with a 17.7" barrel. This carbine is not stamped "CR39" so it was assembled from parts. Includes cruciform bayonet and leather sling. Finish is good with edge wear and a few small dings. Aluminum folding stock has a large "X" on the left side. the spring-loaded sling reel in the stock has some slack. Bore is rough with good rifling. Action works well. Condition is good. *Modern Firearm*
-Even with an accurate description it sold for $1200! Don't know if the buyer wanted it for parts to restore an original CR39 as there were some fitted with fixed stocks. But at least nobody could feel taken when the Big Brown Truck dropped off their acquisition.
-Then I got a pleasant surprise when the lot description was edited by the auction house to the following...
Rare blued French military folding-stock paratroop carbine with a 17.7" barrel. This carbine is not stamped "CR39" so it was assembled from parts. Includes cruciform bayonet and leather sling. Finish is good with edge wear and a few small dings. Aluminum folding stock has a large "X" on the left side. the spring-loaded sling reel in the stock has some slack. Bore is rough with good rifling. Action works well. Condition is good. *Modern Firearm*
-Even with an accurate description it sold for $1200! Don't know if the buyer wanted it for parts to restore an original CR39 as there were some fitted with fixed stocks. But at least nobody could feel taken when the Big Brown Truck dropped off their acquisition.
